Meet Our Executive MBA Students

Texas Executive MBAs are a diverse and collaborative group of experienced leaders determined to make a positive impact in the business world and beyond. Get to know them through the profiles below and find out what it is like to be a student at McCombs.

Explore a sample of our Executive MBA class by clicking on one of the photos to the left.

Jerry Wilmink,MBA '14

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Current Job: Head of Research Laboratory, Department of DefenseDegree: B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University

Why McCombs?
"First, a McCombs education gives students a platform to develop and refine their leadership, financial, accounting, management, and negotiation skills from the “Best Professors” and the highest caliber students in the country. Second, McCombs’ offers a host of extracurricular opportunities that students can participate in order to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills, such as Texas Venture Labs. Third, a Texas MBA is a top-tier degree that is recognized worldwide for its excellence. It also carries a level of prestige that warrants instant recognition of leadership skills from employers. Finally, the McCombs Alumni Network is an extensive, international community comprised of leading scholars, professionals, and executives. This network provides students direct access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise that they can draw from in order to achieve both their personal development and career progression goals."

Cindy Kephart,MBA '15

Why McCombs:“I chose the EMBA program at McCombs because I wanted to be a part of a classroom of experienced, high-performing professionals. The real-life experiences shared in the classroom discussions make the learning come alive. Deciding to pursue my EMBA at McCombs is hands down one of the best decisions I've ever made.”

Jeanne Arnold,MBA '14

Hometown: Lakeway, TexasCurrent Job: Army Officer, US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)Grad Degree: Counseling and Guidance, Texas State University

Why McCombs?
"I chose to apply to the McCombs School of Business Executive MBA Program for several reasons, but mainly for the opportunity to learn at a world class university in a setting that maximizes the strength and diversity of the non-traditional students, experienced and renowned faculty, professional and helpful staff, and a strong and accessible alumni network. And, of course, because it's great to be a Longhorn!"

Leopold Cormier,MBA '15

Why McCombs:“When I decided to pursue an MBA degree, I only applied to the McCombs School of Business. A friend of mine, who earned his MBA from here many years ago, told me that “an MBA from The University of Texas opens the doors to the tightest closed boardrooms in the country”. Over time I’ve heard many similar statements about Texas and I wanted to be a part of that culture and prestige.”

Nikki Bishop,MBA '15

Why McCombs:“I was attracted to McCombs for the opportunity to learn from a diverse and uniquely talented group of students and faculty while earning an education and not simply a degree. The strong focus on leadership and diversity made McCombs an ideal choice for me. McCombs has a proven legacy of developing strong, effective leaders who make a lasting impact in their communities and professions around the world and I am proud to contribute to that legacy.”

Emma Blanco, MBA '15

Hometown: Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico

Current Job: Plant Manager, Regal Beloit

Why McCombs?
“McCombs offers me the tools to think and act globally, developing leadership skills to manage diversity. McCombs provides me the platform to faculty and student knowledge to maximize learning and develop the ability to see through different windows.”

Sandeep Karandikar, MBA '14

Why McCombs?
“My dad has always emphasized that if you don’t keep learning you fall behind the curve. And yes, you might argue that reading newspapers and watching the news will keep you current; but I’m not referring to just learning the buzz words. Through the Executive MBA you will understand what those buzz words actually mean, why they exist and when it’s the right time to use them. You will learn what your classmates are doing to solve issues similar to those that might be keeping you up at night in your current job or you might be able to find a group of people to bounce ideas off of.”

Read more about Sabrina in the "Women of the EMBA" series on our MBA Insider blog.

Steve Wiesenthal,MBA '14

Why McCombs?
"I wanted to be part of a diverse and distinguished group of students and tap their knowledge and backgrounds to supplement the classroom experience. I was looking for a program format that enabled a real sense of community while also working with my existing job and personal responsibilities. The Executive MBA program at McCombs has been all I was hoping for and more."